‘I Am So at Peace,’ Says Victim’s Mother as Murderers Receive 45-and-21-Year Sentences

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced Ronald Wallace to 45 years’ incarceration and DeAngelo Glover to 21 years on April 2 for a shooting that caused the death of 32-year-old Tyrone Wright and the injury of a second victim.

Wallace, 51, was found guilty on Feb. 10 of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict.

Glover, 33, was found guilty of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or place of business.

The charges stemmed from an incident on Jan. 19, 2021, on the 3800 block of Hayes Street, NE.

“This is an act of retaliatory violence committed by individuals–[Wright’s] own family–who saw themselves as above the law,” the prosecutor told the court. According to the prosecution, Wallace and Glover prevented the legal investigation of another murder by killing Wright, who they thought was the perpetrator.

“Many of his family members noted that he may not have been a saint, but nothing can justify what happened to Mr. Wright, being gunned down in the street,” said Judge Park.

“He took care of me, his children, everybody,” Wright’s mother said about her son in a victim impact statement. “I thank God for getting these animals off of these streets so the next generation will be a little better. I am so at peace.”

“Throughout this trial, I have maintained a position of innocence, and I continue to do so,” Wallace told the court. “They got the verdict wrong, and this jury was not a jury of my peers.”

According to Wallace, a key witness who testified against him did so to gain a personal benefit. His defense attorney, Quo Mieko Judkins, said he intends to appeal his conviction.

Christen Romero Philips, the attorney for Glover, said her client also plans to appeal. He chose not to address the court to avoid making any statement that might jeopardize his defense.

Wallace was sentenced to 420 months’ imprisonment for the charge of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, to run concurrently with 108 months for the charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Those two sentences will run consecutively with 120 months for assault with intent to kill, which is concurrent with 108 months for the second count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Concurrent with all other sentences is 32 months for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict.

Glover received four concurrent sentences: 252 months’ imprisonment for the charge of second-degree murder while armed, 108 months for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, 30 months for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and 30 months for carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or place of business.

In addition to their prison sentences, Wallace and Glover each must serve five years of supervised release and register as gun offenders. Judge Park ordered Wallace to pay $500 to the Victims of Violent Crime fund and Glover to pay $400.

No further hearings are scheduled in these cases.

Sentencing Postponed For Carjacking Defendant

A convicted carjacker asked for more time so the defense can fully explain the sentencing terms in a May 5 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld. The hearing was originally set for a sentencing.

Maurice Edwards, 21 was charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in an incident that took place at the intersection of 48th Place and Lee Street, NE on March 11.

He was convicted on both counts by a jury last November.

Azusa Beatty, 29, was originally charged as a co-defendant but her case was severed. She pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking in a deal with prosecutors last month and is awaiting sentencing.

The pair had been offered a wired plea meaning both defendants would have to accept the terms. However, Beatty rejected the offer.

During Edwards’ trial, the prosecution played a video of a car accident which, according to both parties, depicts Edwards and Beatty driving together, running a stop sign, and hitting the victim’s car. According to court testimony, Edwards threatened the victim with a gun.

Edwards’ attorney, Raymond Jones, told the court that Edwards had some questions about the maximum term, which Judge Hertzfeld said was 15 years. As requested, the judge allowed new counsel to be appointed for Edward prior to sentencing.

Jones said the move is out of “an abundance of caution” and Edwards is okay with going forward.

The next hearing in the case is set for May 27 and Edwards’ representation by his new lawyer will be discussed. No reason for the change of attorney was provided in open court.

Incredulous Judge Sentences Repeat Shooting Offender to 19 Months

An exasperated judge sentenced a relapsing gun offender to 19 months in jail during a hearing on May 1.

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld seemed at a loss to understand how Jose Navarro’s criminal history keeps repeating itself after three previous convictions.

“This is the fourth time around the block. What’s going on here? I don’t get it,” said the judge.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert of gunfire on the 1800 block of Hamlin Street, NE on Feb. 12. Based on an anonymous tip, police detained 40-year-old Navarro. During a search, they located a Glock 10 .45 caliber pistol in Navarro’s waistband, along with seven .45 caliber shell casings nearby.

Navarro was originally charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful possession of a firearm with a felony conviction of more than one year. No one was injured during the incident.

However, on Feb. 18, Navarro pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession charge in return for resolving the case.

During sentencing, the prosecutor emphasized that Navarro is “not a good candidate” for probation and he committed the “exact same crime” while on release. A review of the records shows Navarro has a lengthy criminal history in Maryland.

In 2007 he was charged with carrying a handgun and possession of a regulated firearm in Prince George’s County. He pleaded guilty in 2009. Again, in Prince George’s County, he was charged with a firearms violation in 2012 and entered another guilty plea.

In Baltimore City in 2022, Navarro was accused of first-degree and second-degree assault, use of a dangerous weapon with the intent to injure and reckless endangerment. The case is inactive but still open. He was also charged in Baltimore in 2023 with second-degree assault, but so far no conviction.

His assault and felony possession convictions resulted in a five year sentence in Maryland, according to the prosecutor who recommended a 19 month sentence, in the bottom third of the guidelines for Navarro’s current offense.

Joseph Molina, Navarro’s attorney, explained that Navarro was impaired by Tequila and anti-depressant medications when he fired shots in the air and can’t remember what happened. Further, Molina said, Navarro was distraught because he found out his former lover was pregnant by another man.

“He’s a man who went into a spiral,” said Molina. The situation sent Navarro into “a black hole,” he continued, asking for a 14 month sentence, which was a penalty at the bottom of the guidelines.

Navarro then took the opportunity to make an in court apology to his family. “I just want to say I’m sorry.”

Judge Hertzfeld was unmoved.

“You just keep getting yourself into trouble,” she said. The judge went along with the prosecutor’s recommendation and imposed a 19 month sentence with three years of supervised release. Navarro must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund and register as a gun offender.

“You can’t possess a gun under any circumstances,” said Judge Hertzfeld at the end of the proceeding.

No further hearings are scheduled in the case.

Document: Police Arrest Woman for Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 39-year-old Roshawn Petway in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred on April 22 on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE.

The victim, an adult woman, was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Petway has been charged with Assault With A Dangerous Weapon (Knife) and Aggravated Assault.

Document: Police Investigate Homicide on Newcomb Street

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on May 3 on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE.

The victim, identified as 31-year-old Alex Alexander of Gaithersburg, MD, was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.

The case remains under investigation.

Document: Police Investigate 21st Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on May 2 on the 600 block of 21st Street, NE.

The victim, identified as 61-year-old Steven Stewart, was found deceased inside an apartment with gunshot injuries.

The case remains under investigation.

Document: Police Seeking Information on 3 Year Old’s Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking public assistance in the investigation of the homicide of 3-year-old Ty’ah Settles, which occurred on May 3, 2024.

Ty’ah was fatally shot while seated in a vehicle on the 2300 block of Hartford Street, SE, and later pronounced dead at a hospital.

The MPD continues to urge anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice in this case.

Outpouring of Grief, Anger, Forgiveness Dominate Sentencing of Beloved Woman’s Killer

In the four corners of a DC courtroom on May 2 friends and family members of murder victim Dara Northern, 29, attempted to pick up the pieces of love lost and lives shattered.

“I won’t be kissing her forehead again, hold her in my arms, hold her children,” said Northern’s mother, a well-spoken academic.

“I received the most shocking call of my life. That Dara had been shot. I screamed! I threw the phone down,” said a close friend about the incident on July 18, 2021 on the 6100 block of Fourth Street, NW.

Their voices shaking with rage and spilling tears of grief, the women reading impact statements in DC Superior Court Judge Rainy Brandt’s courtroom were a stunning reminder that time passes but wounds to the soul are painfully slow to heal.

Idrissa Fall, 38, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for fatally shooting Northern. She was targeted through the passenger’s side window while in a friend’s car. The confrontation happened a few days after Northern broke off her relationship with Fall.

Fall was found guilty of all charges in a jury trial on Jan. 22.

Northern’s best friend was with her when she was killed. “I never imagined you were capable of that kind of evil,” she said, facing Fall. “My bond [with Northern] was unbreakable and you broke it.”

“Instead of cherishing that you extinguished it,” she said.

As the case unfolded prosecutors painted Fall as a controlling, manipulating lover who was pathologically jealous of Northern’s every move and critical of her friendships with gay people.

Finally, according to prosecutors, Northern snapped after Fall slapped her. “He hit the wrong woman. She put her foot down,” said the prosecutor. According to the prosecution’s narrative, when the relationship dissolved, Fall acted out with murderous violence.

Underscoring that Fall never accepted responsibility for his actions and had the temerity to ask Northern’s mother for money after killing her daughter, prosecutors asked for a 660 month sentence for the murder with 96 months and 28 months for the gun charges, respectively.

Still, that would not be enough for a close family friend who said torture and the death penalty were the appropriate punishments for Fall’s crime.

“You f****d up when you killed my friend,” she said.”He needs to be gone.”

Despite her pain, Northern’s mother delivered an uplifting message to Fall and the court.

“I will pray for you because you need the mercy of God and Allah.” Along the same line, “May God cleanse your soul of bitterness and come to see yourself.” Northern’s mother had taken Fall into her home during the COVID pandemic.

Judge Brandt called the statements a “master class” of grace and strength.

Fall’s attorney Wole Folondun expressed “deep sorrow” over Northern’s death and offered heartfelt condolences. In explaining Fall’s actions, he pointed to the defendant’s troubled background as one of nine children born in Senegal, himself a victim of violence.

“Without support the experiences of his past have shaped his present,” said Folondun who asked for a 30 year sentence.

Fall apologized, said he was a changed man and that he had devoted himself to prayer, reading and mentoring in jail. “I think about Dara everyday,” he said.

Before imposing the sentence, Judge Brandt reflected on the exceptional nature of the crime she called an ambush.

“As murders in this city go, this ranks with the most callous and heinous,” said the judge.

“All Dara did was love you. Is this the way to express that love?” asked Judge Brandt. She characterized the crime as intolerable domestic violence.

The judge sentenced Fall to 50 years with five years on supervised release for premeditated murder, eight years for possessing a gun in a crime of violence and two years for unlawful possession of a firearm with a felony conviction of more than one year. All terms are to be served concurrently.

In addition, Fall will have to pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund and register as a gun offender.

No further proceedings were scheduled.

Document: Police Arrest in Stabbing Near Howard University

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 33-year-old Bryan Wilson, who is alleged to have been involved in a stabbing incident on Aug. 7, 2024, on the 200 block of W Street, NW.

The victim, an adult male, was found unconscious and not breathing, suffering from a stab wound, and was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Wilson has been charged with Assault With Intent to Kill.

‘I Feel Like I’m Incriminating My Son, ’ Co-Defendant’s Mother Says in Mass Shooting Case

The mother of one of the six co-defendants reluctantly identified her son in open court during a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz in a hearing on April 29.

William Johnson-Lee, 22, Erwin DuBose, 30, Kamar Queen, 27, and Damonta Thompson, 28, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of premeditated first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and three counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, for their alleged involvement in the mass shooting that claimed the lives of 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner.

Dubose, Queen, and Johnson-Lee each face nine additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Queen and Thompson each incurred one additional count of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, and Johnson-Lee was accused of two more counts of the same charge. Dubose, Queen, and Thompson each have an additional charge of one or more counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.

Dubose and Queen are also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, as well. Dubose has additional charges of premeditated first-degree murder while armed and tampering with physical evidence. Finally, Queen and Johnson-Lee each have an additional charge of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW, on Sept. 4, 2021, and left three others suffering from injuries.

Toyia Johnson, 52, and Mussay Rezene, 32, are charged with accessory after the fact while armed and tampering with physical evidence for their alleged involvement in assisting the other defendants in getting rid of the evidence and avoiding getting caught in connection with the case.

Prosecutors called DuBose’s mother to testify, confirming he was living at the 100 block of Peabody Street, NE, and the phone number at the time of the incident. She also pointed him out in open court, identifying him in person and on screenshots of surveillance footage from an unnamed apartment complex.

The prosecutors also used her to introduce body-worn camera footage of a search warrant conducted at their home after the incident. She testified that she, her husband, and their daughter were present, and officers “stormed” into DuBose’s bedroom.

During a brief cross-examination by Erwin DuBose’s attorney, Michael Bruckheim, it was revealed that she had been subpoenaed by the prosecution to testify in the grand jury and today.

“I interpreted that my presence in these meetings was required,” she explained. “I feel like I’m incriminating my son, and I don’t want to be here.”

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer responsible for executing part of the search warrant of DuBose’s house was also called to testify.

He reviewed his body-worn camera footage from the day, explaining that as an officer in the criminal apprehension unit, it’s common to not know any background information about the people, the items, or the facts of the case.

In this case, he also didn’t know what they were searching for, just that any weapons or technological devices should have been turned over to the MPD detectives assigned to the case. To his knowledge, nothing of substance was found that day.

A responding officer testified he spoke to the people living in a home that sustained gunshots to the exterior during the mass shooting. While reviewing his body-worn camera footage, he documented that there was a gunshot in the window, damage to the cables of the house’s electrical box, and at least 18-to-22 shell casings and bullet fragments on the surrounding street.

Another officer responded the Medstar Washington Hospital Center’s emergency room where he was flagged down by a nurse. She reported there was a gunshot victim about to receive medical attention, sustaining injuries to the left arm and groin.

The officer was able to question him after, and said the victim was reluctant to give information about what happened and how he was shot, but said that someone dropped him off at the hospital.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 30.

Armed Robbery, Carjacking Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

A defendant accused in a wide-ranging carjacking, robbery case rejected a pre-indictment plea deal from the prosecution in front of DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on April 23.

Kwesi Pyne, 19, is charged with unarmed carjacking, four counts of robbery while armed and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Pyne was arrested on Feb. 15, 2024 on the 3100 block of 16th St NW after police approached him for suspicious behavior and he allegedly fled the scene. He is accused in the following incidents:

Armed carjacking at the 900 block of Randolph St NW on Oct 30 2023
Armed robbery on Jan 10, 2024 at the 3800 block of 5th St NW
Armed robbery on Jan 24 at the 500 block of Kenyon St NW
Armed robbery on Jan 29 at the 2000 block of 15 St NW
Armed robbery on Feb 2 at the 1400 block of Irving St NW
Assault with intent to rob on Feb 7 at the 3100 block of Mount Pleasant St NW
Armed robbery on Feb 7 on the 3200 block of 16th St NW
Theft from auto with gun stolen on Feb 10
Armed robbery on Feb 12 at the 3200 block of Mount Pleasant St NW

In January, the prosecution offered Pyne an agreement, requiring him to plead guilty to carjacking, robbery, and robbery while armed, and in exchange, the prosecution would not seek an indictment.

In court, Bryan Bookhard, Pyne’s attorney, indicated that he is rejecting the plea deal and they would like to move forward with a trial date, which was scheduled for Aug. 11.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 23.

Prosecutors Miss Indictment Deadline for Stabbing, Judge Dismisses Case

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt dismissed a stabbing defendant’s case during an April 30 hearing, due to the prosecution missing an indictment deadline multiple times.

Dennis Bowler, 56, was charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one on the 3000 block of Rodman Street, NW. The incident occurred on May 24, 2024.

According to court documents, the victim sustained four-to-six stab wounds in the arms and chest, causing two collapsed lungs.

During the hearing, Jason Clark, Bowler’s attorney, filed a motion to dismiss the case due to want of prosecution, which means the prosecution failed to file an indictment to move the case forward as legally required.

According to court records, Judge Brandt had granted a request by the prosecution to extend the February indictment deadline. However, prosecutors missed the new deadline. According to court records, the case was dismissed “without prejudice” meaning the prosecution could potentially refile the matter.

No further dates were set.

Carjacking Case Delayed For Mental Competence Exam

A carjacking defendant faces court delays because he won’t participate in a mental observation session. DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe urged him to attend his next appointment with behavioral health specialists at an April 23 hearing.

Donnell Hannah, 26, is charged with unarmed carjacking and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in an incident on July 21, 2024 on the 800 block of Southern Ave, SE. Hannah and another individual allegedly fired gunshots before stealing the victim’s car.

During the hearing, Russell Hairston, Hannah’s attorney, alerted Judge Pipe that his client did not attend his previously scheduled appointment. Judge Pipe emphasized that in order to move forward with his case, Hannah must comply with the April 29 assessment. Until it’s determined that a defendant understands the case against him, the matter can’t come to trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 7.

Shooting Defendant Deemed Competent, Despite Defense Concerns

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt accepted a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on April 30 that deemed a shooting defendant mentally competent to stand trial.

Christopher Wise, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 10, 2024, on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE. The incident left one person injured.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt alerted the parties that the report found Wise competent to proceed with the case in that he understands his legal situation. The prosecution did not object to the finding, and neither did Janai Reed, Wise’s attorney.

However, Reed stated she had concerns about some unspecified information included in the report, but did not move to challenge the finding during the hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 17.

Prosecutors Use Digital Data, Surveillance Footage to ID Suspect

Prosecutors presented expert testimony involving cell tower data and surveillance video crucial to a homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 29.

Ranje Reynolds, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Tarek Boothe on Jan. 31, 2022, on the 3200 block of M Street, NW.

The prosecution called on a cell site analyst who reviewed Reynolds’ call records.

Information from Jan. 31, 2022, shows the defendant’s device interacting with cell towers in the general area of the crime scene.

The prosecution also called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch detective who explained the early collection of surveillance video to identify a suspect. He stated that he and his team canvassed nearby homes and businesses along 33rd Street then did the same on M Street. They collected available footage to trace the suspect’s possible escape route after the incident.

Prosecutors called on another MPD officer, who testified that a “be on the lookout” (BOLO) alert was released with images of the suspect from still shots of surveillance footage.

Through additional investigation with the US Marshals, Reynolds was identified and later arrested.

The trial is slated to continue on April 30.

Search